Our Etymology Word Wall

Etymology Assignment

Every word has a history.  Etymology is the study of the origin of words and how the means of words have changed over time.

Using a dictionary and the internet, research the ETYMOLOGY of the following words:

      1. Banana
      2. Tundra
      3. Bog
      4. Canyon
      5. Villain
      6. Sauna
      7. Buffalo
      8. Worm
      9. Sinister
     10. Yacht
Next research the etymology of five words you enjoy and are curious to learn more about.

 

 

TED-Ed

I went to a conference on creativity and technology at the Milwaukee Art Museum yesterday where Logan Smalley, the director of TED-Ed, spoke.  TED-Ed provides hundreds of lessons created by teachers, animated by professionals.  Several great lessons related to Linguistics are available on the site.  My students are currently studying the History of English in our Linguistics class so below you will find some links to great videos relating to the history of English and word etymology.   Teachers have the ability to "flip" a lesson, which means to tailor the lesson for their own students.
 
"How did English evolve?"
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/how-did-english-evolve-kate-gardoqui 

"Why is there a 'b' in 'doubt'?"
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/beyond-the-shadow-of-a-doubt-gina-cooke

"Making sense of spelling?"
http://ed.ted.com/lessons/making-sense-of-spelling-gina-cooke

Language Magazine Online

http://languagemagazine.com/online/

I just found this great magazine; their content is free on their website--tons of accessible articles for high school students!